Police launched an investigation into the man after receiving a complaint from a Palestinian resident who said the man promised to get him Saudi nationality in exchange for SR250,000 and an expensive car. The man, however, disappeared after receiving the cash and car.

The man had claimed he was close to some high-profile individuals and had a senior government post. Police later found the man hiding in a furnished apartment.

It was also found that the man was responsible for a series of serious scams and had taken SR250,000 from another man in rent for a plot of land that he did not own. The man was, however, caught when the real owner turned up and showed documents proving ownership.

“The man is in police custody and has a series of violations against him. His lawyer tried to get him out on bail, but because of the sheer number of cases against him, this request has been rejected,” said Lt. Nawaf Al-Bouq, spokesman for Jeddah police.

“He was also in the process of shipping the car to a neighboring country. The car was, however, retrieved before it could leave the Kingdom,” he said.